UPSA in Comme d'Habitude

MANILA, Philippines - UP Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) just arrived from its successful 7th European Goodwill Concert Tour in celebration of its 30th anniversary. UPSA is the first and only Asian choir to win Grand Prize in the most prestigious Arezzo competitions in Italy, and one of only four Filipino choirs to have qualified in the European Grand Prix (EGP) for Choral Singing, along with the UST Singers, Ateneo Glee Club and the Philippine Madrigal Singers which has won it twice.

Performing Western Period music in French, German, Italian, Latin and contemporary Spanish and American jazz music, UPSA presented mainly Filipino works in songs and dances. The group wowed the audience with its prize-winning blend and versatility in interpreting folkloric dances like Tinikling, Itik-Itik and Pandanggo sa Ilaw and choreographed Filipino contemporary music.

Show-stoppers were traditional love songs and haranas like Dungawin Mo Hirang, Batisan, Lagi Kitang Naaalala and the humorous Pamaypay ng Maynila and Balut Penoy (especially arranged for UPSA by composer Arnel de Pano).

Highlights of the UPSA Outreach Tour (April 1 to June 11) in Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Nertherlands were heartwarming performances in 12 Maison de Retraites (Homes for the Aged) which brought smiles to the residents while teary-eyed UPSA members serenaded them, workshops in dance and music with children from five schools and interaction and workshops with six local choirs and a gospel group.

The over 30 concert performances empowered Filipinas married to locals through self-sufficiency in organizational skills, fundraising, networking and uplifting the image of the Philippines through quality cultural performances of fellow Filipinos — the UPSA.

Berlin was venue to UPSA’s two performances in celebration of the Philippine Independence. These included tributes to Jose Rizal and to young artist/painter Jana Benitez, courtesy of Ambassador Delia Domingo-Albert, Joan de Asis and Washington Sycip.

The goodwill tour was sponsored by Imelda Cojuangco, Pagcor, Sen. Ed Angara and Rep. Sonny Angara and Filipinos and other friends in Belgian communities.

With founder/conductor Ed Manguiat, UPSA presents the UP Singing Ambassadors’ homecoming concert, Comme d’Habitude (As Always), at Philamlife Auditorium, UN Ave., Manila, tonight at 7. Tickets are at P150, students with ID at P100. For details, call 0906-2951290/0906-2966797 or 924-9378.